Sant Kabir Das

Sant Kabir Das is a renowned Indian poet and religious preacher who lived in the
15th century. His teachings known as “Dohas” are simple two line poems that
convey very profound spiritual concepts. In his dohas, Kabir Das sings the praises of
Guru, devotion to God, the greatness of company of Sadhus, dispassion and so on.
Some of his dohas appear in Guru Granth Sahib (religious text for Sikhs). Apart from
the influence on Sikhism, he also has followers from various faiths and religions.
They are known as “Kabir Panthis” and the path is known as “Kabir Panth”.

There are no clear records about Kabir’s birth. But, soon after he was born, he was
found and adopted by a Muslim couple. Although, he grew up in a Muslim weaver
community in Kashi, his mind was drawn towards Lord Rama. The fire of dispassion
was raged deeply in his heart. Once, he happened to see a woman grinding some
seeds.

And he lamented,

Chalti Chakki dekh kar, diya kabira roye |

Do paatan ke beech mein, sabuth bachana koi ||

Looking at the grinding mills, Kabir feels like crying. Caught between the two stones,
no seed (life) is spared.

As he was cried, a Sadhu came up to him and consoled him saying that just like
seeds that were attached to the stone were not crushed, people who got caught hold
of Lord Rama’s name will be saved. So, Kabir longed to be initiated into the Holy
Name by a Guru. With this longing in his heart, he approached the gates of Saint
Ramananda’s ashram. But, the saint’s disciples denied him audience with the Guru
and drove him away. Crestfallen, he went to the banks of Ganges and sat on the
steps and wept uncontrollably. Exhausted, he fell asleep on the steps. Early next
morning, when Sant Ramananda came to the banks of Ganges to finish his morning
ablutions, he stepped on sleeping Kabir. As his feet struck Kabir’s head, he uttered
“Ram, Ram”. An overjoyed Kabir prostrated Ramananda. He was very happy that he
received the initiation from his Guru on the banks of River Ganges and that too with
his Guru’s feet on his head. Sant Ramananda accepted him as his disciple. From then
on, Kabir always chanted the Lord’s name.

Kabir had high regards for his Guru and this reflects in his poems. He has extolled
the greatness of Guru in several of his dohas. A few of them are presented here.

Sath Guru mila to sab mile, na to mila na koi |

Maath, Pita Suth bandhava, yeh to ghar ghar hoi ||

Getting a Sath Guru is equal to attaining everything in this world.

Whereas, every house has mother, father, son and relatives so there is nothing special
about it.

Guru Bin Jnan na upje, Guru Bin mile na moksh |

Guru Bin likhe na sathya ko, Guru Bin mite na dosh ||

Without the Guru, one cannot gain any spiritual knowledge, nor can he attain
salvation.
Without the Guru, one cannot realize the ultimate truth and nor can he get rid of his
doubts.

Hari Krupa thab jaaniye, de maanav avatar |

Guru krupa thab jaaniye, mukth kare sansar ||

Thank Lord Hari for giving you this human birth.

Thank Guru for saving you from the cycle of life.

It is Sant Kabir’s Jayanthi on June 15. Let us remember him on his birthday and pray
to him to fill our lives with the names of the Lord.